Loaded gun magazine on Frontier flight at Denver airport forces evacuation

A security incident occurred on the evening of Sunday at Denver International Airport (DIA), disrupting flight 4765 bound for Phoenix.

The ammunition magazine was found as the aircraft was in its final stages of preparation for departure. As a necessary precaution, a full emergency evacuation of all passengers was initiated. Passengers were deplaned to undergo a second security check, and the aircraft was subjected to a thorough security sweep, causing a major delay.

Investigation and Official Response

"Our preliminary investigation indicates that the magazine belongs to a law enforcement officer," a Frontier Airlines spokesperson explained, suggesting the officer may have been on a previous flight.

The FBI is now reportedly leading the investigation. A report from WBRC stated the magazine was loaded and that "TSA agents missed it during screening."

This event mirrors a similar security scare in November 2025, when a loaded magazine was found on another Frontier flight, also attributed to an officer.

Flight Cancellation and Passenger Impact

Passengers described confusion and a lack of communication during the sudden deplaning process. The flight was eventually cancelled because the crew exceeded their maximum legally permitted duty time.

Customers were rebooked on new flights for the following morning. The incident brings the effectiveness of airport security into sharp focus, as TSA rules strictly prohibit loaded ammunition in carry-on luggage.